Virginia Beach Domestic Violence and Assault and Battery Attorney

The Family Law Consequences of Domestic Violence Charges

Immediate Impact on Child Custody

The moment charges are filed, the other parent can petition family court for emergency custody modifications. Judges often grant temporary restrictions based on pending charges alone, even without conviction. 

You may face:

• Temporary loss of physical custody during criminal proceedings
• Supervised visitation requirements that limit meaningful parent-child time
• Suspension of overnight visits or custody exchanges
• Court-ordered parenting classes or anger management as conditions

These temporary orders can remain in place for months, damaging your relationship with your children during a critical period.

Long-Term Custody Implications

A conviction becomes powerful evidence in family court. It can be used to argue that you pose a danger to your children's welfare, even if they were not involved in the incident. Family court judges may award primary custody to the other parent, restrict your parenting time to supervised visits indefinitely, or limit your decision-making authority regarding your children.

Even accusations without conviction can influence custody decisions, particularly during temporary hearings where judges make quick determinations based on limited information.

Child Protective Services and Parental Rights

When domestic violence occurs in a home with children, even if they weren't directly involved, CPS often investigates whether the children are in a safe environment. These investigations run parallel to criminal charges and can result in the removal of children from the home, safety plans restricting your contact, or separate court proceedings regarding your fitness as a parent.

Protective Orders and Family Separation

Temporary protective orders frequently accompany domestic violence arrests, immediately separating you from family members. These orders often force you to leave the family home, prohibit contact with your children except through supervised arrangements, and can become permanent for up to two years. 

Experienced Defense That Protects What Matters Most

Attorney Jerrell R. Johnson has successfully defended hundreds of clients throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, and Portsmouth. His recognition includes the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and multiple Virginia Coastal Magazine awards for best attorneys.

He understands that these cases aren't just about criminal charges—they're about protecting your relationship with your children and preserving your family. JRLaw, PLC handles each case with discretion, compassion, and aggressive advocacy focused on protecting both your freedom and your parental rights.

Contact us online or call (757) 447-0080 to request an initial consultation. Let us help you navigate these charges while protecting what matters most.